Paul

As a homeowner, I am constantly experimenting with making the structure of my house more energy-efficient, eliminating pests, and taking on DIY home improvement projects. Over the past two decades, my family has rehabbed houses and contracted new home builds and I've learned a lot along the way. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes.

Victorian-style homes are extremely popular and often coveted for their ornate appearances and impeccable attention to detail. Victorian homes first became popular in the United States in the 1840s. During this time, it became increasingly easy for architects and builders to purchase ornamental building materials from around the world. As a result, houses became more …

Rolled roofing is a common choice for low-sloped roofs of functional structures. Although it is not commonly used for residences, rolled roofing is a common choice for buildings like sheds, garages, and lean-tos. As you look into rolled roofing, though, you may notice that it usually only comes in black or green. Regular paint typically …

You know the feeling: you are right in the middle of a cleaning job, and the pressure washer just dies on you at full throttle. You have not finished, and you just want to get the job completed. Thankfully, it is easy to remedy this. To fix a pressure washer that dies at full throttle, …

When considering the requirements for pulling a permit in a home improvement project, it’s ideal to hire a home improvement contractor to complete the task. A home improvement contractor can pull a permit for your home or building project. In addition to this, they can ensure that you accurately pull a permit. It’s essential to …

Stained cabinets have been a traditional staple for most kitchens for years. Now kitchens have been getting more sleek and light. Although not as popular, stained cabinets have not become extinct. Stained cabinets are not outdated. They very much still have a place in modern kitchen designs. While not the most popular, the stained cabinets …

It might seem like hanging tile on drywall isn’t the best idea because drywall just doesn’t seem sturdy enough to handle tile, but drywall is actually what most people use under wall tile. You can tile over drywall in areas that are not exposed to excessive moisture, and it is safe. It is not safe …

Many house owners enjoy renovating their houses and, in the process, are looking into new options for doors, like fiberglass. Figuring out which material is best when replacing a door may be somewhat intimidating at first, especially considering how many options there really are. Fiberglass doors are widely considered the best option because of their …

There is nothing quite as uncomfortable as a cold and drafty house in the middle of winter. Does your floor feel cold or damp when the weather outside is rainy? If so, your house might have a faulty envelope. The building envelope is the outer shell of the house. It includes the roof, walls, and …

Metal roofing is affordable, durable, and easy to install. But deciding where and how to install it requires some knowledge of building materials and their potential pitfalls. Do you have to build a sub-structure for metal roofing, or can you install it directly onto plywood? When installing metal roofing, you should always use a roofing …

If you do a lot of work around the house or consider yourself a do-it-yourselfer, at some point, you may find yourself needing to install or re-locate an electrical box in a wall. Whether you are renovating a room or doing a complete house remodel, electrical boxes must be installed properly for your lights to …